Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease that affects the red blood cells. A mutation in hemoglobin causes the red blood cells to be malformed. Instead of the circle shape of normal red blood cells, patients with sickle cell anemia have red blood cells shaped like a sickle. The sickle shape prevents the cells from carrying optimum amounts of oxygen, inhibits the ability of the cells to effectively travel through the blood vessels, and the malformed cells die early. A painful and potentially life threatening condition called a sickle cell crises develops when the cells get stuck in the blood vessels. There is no cure for sickle cell anemia. Treatment for sickle cell anemia focuses on keeping the immune system strong, preventing a sickle cell crisis and controlling pain.
Step 1
Drink eight 8-oz. glasses of water a day to prevent dehydration, which could lead to a sickle cell crises. Be especially careful to drink plenty of water during warm weather or times of physical exertion.
Step 2
Take folic acid supplements to prevent anemia. Ask your doctor for guidance on daily folic acid dosages.
Step 3
Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains to provide your body with the nutrients needed for a healthy immune system so it can fight infections.
Step 4
Reduce stress on your body. Stress can weaken your immune system. Exercise at moderate levels to avoid exhaustion. Wear the appropriate clothing at all times to keep your body temperature stable. Wear sweaters, jackets and long pants in cold weather and light thin clothing in warm weather.
Step 5
Protect yourself from infections and viruses that can weaken your immune system. Receive regular dental care to prevent infections in your mouth. Get flu vaccines to reduce your chances of getting the flu and minimize your exposure to people who have the cold or flu.
Step 6
Visit your doctor for regular checkups and at the first sign of an infection, virus, joint pain, jaundice symptoms, an erection that will not go away, swelling in any part of the body, fever or sickle cell crisis.
Step 7
Consult with your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications. Certain medications, such as pseudoephedrine, constrict blood vessels, which can cause sickle cell crises.
Step 8
Take over the counter pain relievers approved by your doctor to reduce pain. Ask your doctor for stronger prescription painkillers if you need them.
Step 9
Relieve joint pain and stiff muscles by taking a warm bath, using a heating pad or by getting a massage.
Step 10
Fly in pressurized airplanes. If you must fly in an unpressurized plane, consult with your doctor first. The lower oxygen levels in an upressurized pain can cause sickle cell crises.
Step 11
Ask your doctor if a blood transfusion or bone marrow transplant would be helpful for your particular situation.
